Product News and Recalls

Detergent pods dangerous to children

Detergent companies are coming under scrutiny for manufacturing small pods that pose a striking resemblance to candy, according to the NY Daily News.

Created to make chores easier, these pods are designed for one-time use to reduce spills and the need for bulky bottles. However, medical experts are warning the public that the small brightly colorful packets are attractive to children and contain harmful chemicals if ingested.

These newer detergent pods are more dangerous because than regular detergent because they contain higher concentrations of detergent and plastic packaging. So far, 40 cases of children ingesting detergent pods resulting in hospitalization have been reported in New York, with several requiring surgery. This summer, over 1,000 cases of ingestion were reported to poison control centers nationwide in just two months. According to the article, even New York’s senior senator was tempted to eat one, mistaking it for candy.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has advised that detergent companies should redesign their products. Proctor and Gamble, the manufacturer of Tide Pods, released a statement that it will apply a double latch lid for the Tide Pod packets as a safety precaution. To date, none of the other pod makers have volunteered to follow P&G’s lead.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a faulty product and have significant injuries or wrongful death, you should consult with a Lopez McHugh attorney to discuss your legal rights.

Attorney advertising. Attorneys at Lopez McHugh LLP are licensed in Pennsylvania, California, New Jersey, and New York. We may associate with attorneys from other states. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Past results are not a guarantee of future performance. Further, attorneys at Lopez McHugh LLP are not certified as specialists in any field. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to express or constitute legal or medical advice to any reader, may not apply to your specific factual or legal circumstances and may not be complete or up-to-date, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. You should always consult directly with a qualified attorney for legal advice. Free consultation: In most cases, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis. This means that there is no up-front cost, but we will be reimbursed for expenses and charge a fee in the event that we receive a recovery on your behalf. If you agree in writing to hire us, we will make reasonable efforts to contact you when necessary. You, however, have an obligation to provide current contact information and to communicate with us so that we can properly investigate and, where appropriate, pursue your claim.